This collection features essential essays from the Pocketfuls series, which includes works across fiction, poetry, and drama. Each slim volume is designed to be affordable and can be purchased individually or as part of a set. The essays are thoughtfully arranged, making them accessible for both teaching and personal exploration, highlighting key themes and ideas from familiar literary works.
Offering a cost-effective alternative to larger anthologies, this revised edition features a curated selection of essential essays that are widely taught and recognized. The collection is organized rhetorically, making it an ideal resource for students seeking a focused and accessible compilation of key works.
In every major city in the world there is a housing crisis. How did this happen and what can we do about it? Everyone needs and deserves housing. But today our homes are being transformed into commodities, making the inequalities of the city ever more acute. Profit has become more important than social need. The poor are forced to pay more for worse housing. Communities are faced with the violence of displacement and gentrification. And the benefits of decent housing are only available for those who can afford it. In Defense of Housing is the definitive statement on this crisis from leading urban planner Peter Marcuse and sociologist David Madden. They look at the causes and consequences of the housing problem and detail the need for progressive alternatives. The housing crisis cannot be solved by minor policy shifts, they argue. Rather, the housing crisis has deep political and economic roots—and therefore requires a radical response.
Set in the aftermath of the Civil War, the narrative follows Willis Carr, a veteran grappling with his traumatic past. Originating from East Tennessee, he initially joined the Union but later became a Confederate sharpshooter to avoid execution. As he revisits battlefields and engages with fellow veterans, Carr seeks to make sense of his experiences. His journey culminates in a profound personal revelation, uncovering a long-buried memory that brings closure to his search for meaning amidst the chaos of war.
Focusing on a tragic maritime disaster, this collection presents first-hand accounts of the Sultana explosion on April 27, 1865, which claimed over 1,700 lives, primarily Union soldiers returning home after imprisonment. The narrative highlights the harrowing experiences of these soldiers, who endured the horrors of war and captivity before facing this catastrophic event. Compiled by survivor Chester D. Berry, the book offers a poignant testament to resilience and the human spirit amid overwhelming loss and suffering.
Facsimile of the first edition
Absalom, Absalom is the story of Thomas Sutpen and his ruthless, single-minded pursuit of his grand design to forge a dynasty in Jefferson, Mississippi, in 1830 which is ultimately destroyed (along with Sutpen himself) by his own sons.
The narrative presents a thrilling blend of terror and excitement, immersing readers in a gripping tale that explores the complexities of abduction. David Madden crafts a story that challenges perceptions and evokes strong emotions, making for an unforgettable reading experience.
James M. Cain was among the prominent member of the "hard-boiled" school of writing that characterized the 1930s and 1940s, one of the masters of the genre that included Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler. His novels became such popular film noir classics as The Postman always Rings Twice, Double Indemnity, and Mildred Pierce, and his 1937 novel Serenade boldly portrayed its hero as a bisexual. Cain also taught journalism at various colleges in Maryland, wrote editorials for the New York World, and was for a brief time managing editor at The New Yorker. This is the first biography of James M. Cain written with the full cooperation of the late novelist's family.
David Madden's latest collection features short stories spanning his six-decade career, showcasing works previously published in various journals. These tales, which have never been compiled together before, highlight his unique storytelling style and thematic depth, offering readers a fresh glimpse into the author's literary evolution.
The narrative centers around Old London Bridge, which transforms from fragile wooden structures to a remarkable stone bridge adorned with over two hundred houses and shops. Celebrated as a wonder of the world, it serves as a vibrant character in the story, capturing the essence of its historical significance until its dismantling in 1832. The novel offers a unique perspective on the bridge's evolution and its impact on the lives intertwined with it.